All the April rain can make for blooming flowers, but as beautiful as they are, flowers and their pollen means discomfort for people with spring allergies. In some areas of the country, grass pollen emerges in April, too. Between the pollen from the flowers and the pollen from the grass, spring allergies may make you feel especially miserable. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), pollen season can begin as early as February and last through October, although weather patterns and your location can alter the start and end dates. If you’re already dreading the return of sneezing, sniffles, stuffiness, and itchy, watery or dry eyes, take steps to keep allergy symptoms from activating your immune system.
Try These Wellness Tips For Treating Spring Allergies:
Change clothes once you get home.
Pollen sticks to fabric, and you could end up spreading pollen spores throughout your home. (Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry for the same reason.)
Spring cleaning.
When spring cleaning, focus on areas in your home where allergens tend to accumulate: air filters, bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting. Vacuum often: floors, furniture, rugs and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Don’t forget to change the filters on your air conditioning unit frequently and use a high efficiency grade filter.
Shower before bed.
Transferring allergens from your hair or face to your pillow can make matters worse.
Manage Allergies with Apple Cider Vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is an age-old remedy that is often recommended for a variety of health conditions. The theory is that its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. It is also said to help digestion, weight loss and more when taken daily. Mix a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “The Mother” (that part is important) into a glass of water and drank this three times a day. “The Mother” is simply a colony of beneficial bacteria present in some organic and unfiltered ACV brands. Check the label, it should list if it contains it. A daily regimen of ACV can help relieve acute allergy symptoms and avoid allergy attacks.
Flush Allergens with a Neti Pot and Saline Rinse.
Use a Neti Pot filled with a sterile saline solution to flush out the sinuses of allergens and irritations. To use: Either use a pre-made saline rinse or make your own by dissolving 1 teaspoon of Himalayan or sea salt in a quart of boiled distilled water. Cool completely and put in the Neti Pot. Pour through one nostril and let it drain out the other.
Reduce Inflammation with Quercetin.
Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that is said to help stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. It is best used as a long-term remedy and many people start taking it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms. Quercetin is found naturally found in foods like citrus and broccoli. It is very difficult to get the amount needed to relive allergies from food alone. A supplemental dose can be helpful for preventing allergies or helping acute symptoms. As with any herb, you should check with your doctor before using.
Block Histamines with Nettle Leaf.
Nettle leaf is another natural antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine. It grows in many places and can be made in to a tincture or tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the easiest and most effective option. Nettle leaf can also be used in combination with other herbs to make a soothing herbal tea for allergy relief. It is often mixed with peppermint leaf and sometimes red raspberry leaf to make a refreshing allergy relief tea. Try nettle herbal tea to soothe allergy symptoms.
Probiotics for Beneficial Bacteria.
Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to stimuli. New research links the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. Balancing gut bacteria now and consuming enough beneficial bacteria can have a positive effect on allergies. Consume a varied diet that includes fermented foods and drinks like Kombucha or Kefir, which can help boost gut bacteria. You might also take a high quality probiotic capsule.
Try these wellness tips to reduce your allergy symptoms and enjoy the Spring season!
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